Bighorn Bulletin - Oasis Academy

Senior Spotlight: Gracie Cosman

Senior Gracie Cosman is an accomplished swimmer. She has received a scholarship to swim for the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas after she graduates in May.

“While attending Oasis, I have been an active member of the Churchill County High School Swim Team. I have qualified for regionals every year and was a state qualifier last year,” Cosman said.

When Cosman graduates in May, she will earn both her high school diploma and associate of arts degree from Western Nevada College.

“I will be studying nursing at the University of Saint Mary while being a member of the Spire women’s swim team,” she said.

Cosman started at Oasis during Covid in her sophomore year. 

“It was very different from my freshman year of being homeschooled,” said Cosman. “It was a rather big change. There were ups and downs during my three years, but I would not be more prepared to enter a university if it wasn't for this school.”

Part of the preparation for college meant having engaging and dedicated teachers. 

“I would like to thank Mr. Eric Grimes for academically challenging and helping me during my time here at Oasis,” she said. “My favorite class at Oasis was Mrs. Julie Stockard’s English class. Every morning that we came into her class (1st Block), she made it fun and interesting.”

Although she has a lot of memories from her time at Oasis, this year’s prom was her favorite.

Cosman has sound advice for future students.

“Schedule your time, work hard, work with your teachers and professors; in the end, it will all pay off,” she said.

95th Annual Nevada FFA State Convention

Written by: Hunter McNabb

In late March, nearly 600 students from around the state of Nevada brought with them the familiar wave of navy corduroy to Reno as the annual commencement of the Nevada FFA Convention took place on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. 

FFA members took part in competitive events, leadership workshops, and toured the UNR campus learning about the opportunities available to them and how to bring leadership back to their chapters. 

This year the Oasis FFA Chapter brought more than two dozen students and represented their community well, bringing home several awards from the conference. 

Of the competing Oasis FFA teams, the Agricultural Sales team placed third, the Best Informed Greenhand team placed third, the Conduct of Chapter Meetings team placed third, and the Farm and Agribusiness Management team placed second. 

Additionally, Taylor Sowersby ranked as the second-highest individual in Best Informed Greenhand, and Hunter McNabb placed first in Extemporaneous Public Speaking and earned the Cody Sanders Memorial Scholarship. Grace Laca was also recognized at the convention for representing Nevada at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Ultimately, the Oasis FFA Chapter had a very successful week in Reno after months of hard work and practice.

Oasis students and community stakeholders worked hard throughout the year as FFA members regularly met on weekends and after school to practice for their competitive events. Agriculturalists from the school and the community graciously volunteered their time with the students and coached them from the Fall until their competitions started in late March. These practices regularly involved reviewing practicums and tests, strategies for competitions, and mock interviews and presentations.

“I am super proud of our students' hard work and accomplishments this year. We had a lot of great students, and they competed in more contests than ever. I love to see them learn and grow,” said Jackie Bogdanowicz, FFA Advisor.

In addition to their competitions, Oasis FFA members attended workshops hosted by the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources. Students and professionals in their field led engaging lessons and answered questions from members. 

Outside of the classroom, FFA members also got to give back by completing several service projects, such as creating cards for service members and informational booklets for elementary students. 

The Nevada FFA State Convention was an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with others, learn about leadership, and demonstrate their knowledge of agriculturalism. To learn more about Nevada FFA, visit nvaged.com or the Oasis Academy agricultural education program, contact FFA advisor, Jackie Bogdanowicz at [email protected].

Pictured above: Ruby Hiskett.